Tracey Durbin

Tracey started dancing professionally at the age of four. After studying years of piano, theater and ballet at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, Tracey moved to Los Angeles where she studied ballet with Stanley Holden, jazz with Luigi (the innovator of the world’s first jazz technique), and assisted Hama, Luigi’s protégé. Her choreography has been in the L.A. Jazz Festival, music videos, industrials, and many shows. Tracey has also lived and taught dance in Israel. In Portland, Tracey was an original member of Dancers’ Workshop, started Irvington Dance Company, and has taught for many years at Oregon Ballet Theatre, Reed College, and BodyVox. Currently she teaches at DaVinci Arts Middle School and Portland Ballet. Teaching since the age of 15, Tracey’s classes blend the philosophy of classical Luigi jazz technique, the lyricism and strength of modern and ballet, and the musical experience ranging from Bach to Aretha Franklin. Her life experiences inspire her true passion – teaching lyrical jazz dance.